A Nourish Food Swap

Inspired by Hip Girl Kate Payne, I decided to host a food swap. Wanting to do something special for the wonderful people who attend my cooking classes it seemed like the perfect way to say thank you.

With a background in catering and event planning, I love to plan parties. I especially love staging and adding nice touches to make things extra special. Jake and Max kindly carried the half Hoosier cabinet from the basement for an extra swap and food table. Cute vignette by the garden, too.
 

 

My Grandmother's Maytag washing machine is perfect for icing down drinks. The ALL detergent bucket is a perfect kitchy accent when planted with flowers.

 

Also finding a home in the washing machine, sodas made with fruit and herbal syrups. I there is flavored simple syrups and soda water in the fridge you'll always have a spur of the moment signature drink. Add a splash of vodka or gin and it's a cocktail. The rosemary-lemon is my favorite.

 

It's not a summer party without sangria. This one was made with my favorite summer wine - a French rose - lemons, and frozen local strawberries and raspberries. It was served into jelly jars from a giant vintage pickle jar.

I was so pleased there were so many interested in this event. The backyard was pleasantly full and there was lots of mingling.

 

Handsome servers passed hors d'oeuvres....and cocktail napkins.

  

Grilled Pork and Red Pepper Skewers with Mango Dipping Sauce were a favorite.

The most important part of the night? The swapping! My great grandmother's kitchen table (also carried up the stairs) was covered with an estate sale score and then piled with many offerings of enthusiastic swappers.

The selection was huge - just pulled beets, cookies, cakes, jams, salsas, eggs.....

... Limoncello, pro-biotic natural sodas and a huge basket of  homegrown herbs.

I wanted to give a special party favor to my guests. "The little lady on my website", a photo from yet another estate sale, was a perfect messenger. A quick trip to Ritz and I was able to personalize the front (only 7 cents on Tuesday and Wednesday!) A sticker offering a $5 savings was stuck to the back.

 

The evening drew to a close and I finally had a chance to sit with a few guests. A good time was had by all and this is just the first of many more to come.

It's a super fun and different way to entertain - especially the foodies in your life. If you'd like to host your own, follow the link to Kate's food swap page for a more detailed explanation.


I can't wait to throw another one and in the meantime, I'd gladly come to yours.